While Nashville’s musical history deserves to be cherished and celebrated, we might argue that the real magic of Music City lies not in its past, but its future.

From the beginning, this town has been fueled by an ever-present promise that the next big thing could take shape right under your nose. A future pop star could be hauling their gear into the club down the street. Perhaps this is the day a heartbreaking anthem is going to pour out of an unknown songwriter’s pen, or a future million-selling singer makes a venue fall silent for the first time.

That sense of excitement never seems to change in Nashville — even as the sound of these artists definitely does. As we gear up for another momentous year in Music City, here are 11 acts we’ll be watching (and listening to) very closely.

Joshua Hedley

Hedley, an old-school country singer, songwriter and fiddler whose sound recalls Johnny Paycheck and Merle Haggard, has spent years paying his dues in Nashville. Now it’s time for the rest of the world to take notice.

Last year he inked a deal with Jack White's Third Man Records and, with his band the Hedliners, captivated the crowd at a showcase in Cumberland Caverns. In 2018, he’ll set out to find the same success that labelmate Margo Price has. — Juli Thanki

Bermuda Triangle

Alabama Shakes frontwoman Brittany Howard and Nashville indie songsmiths Jesse Lafser and Becca Mancari appear to be having the time of their lives with their new trio, Bermuda Triangle.

To date, they've released two recordings, which find the group wrapping acoustic guitars and sparse electronic rhythms in warm, lush vocal harmonies. The band made its debut with a sold-out show at the Basement East last summer, and interest has only intensified. Several dates on their upcoming West Coast tour have promptly sold out. —Dave Paulson

Warner Music Group artist Devin Dawson(Photo11: WMG)

Devin Dawson

Dawson is an articulate wordsmith whose songs shouldn’t be relegated to background noise. The California native grew up in the shadow of Folsom Prison and he learned how to write songs from listening to country music. Dawson’s sound is somewhere between Johnny Cash and Marvin Gaye. He co-wrote every song on his debut album, “Dark Horse,” which will be available Jan. 19. Dawson’s current single, “All On Me,” is nearing the top 10 on country radio. — Cindy Watts

Kassi Ashton is a singer-songwriter from California, Mo., who recently signed with Universal Music Group Nashville.(Photo11: Alysse Gafkjen)

Kassi Ashton

Before she signed with Universal Music Group Nashville and Interscope Records in late 2017, Ashton’s Tammy Wynette-meets-Amy Winehouse vocals sparked competition among Music Row record labels. Ashton teamed with chart-topping songwriter and producer Luke Laird and together they honed her gritty, fearless storytelling into a stirring and enviable force. Her debut single is expected later this month. — Cindy Watts

Ron Gallo(Photo11: Submitted)

Ron Gallo

Philadelphia transplant Ron Gallo is a punky garage-rocker with a healthy sense of humor. His upcoming EP, "Really Nice Guys," has a title track that should resonate with any music maker who's used to sharing the stage with other fledgling acts.

Later, the band falls silent for a second. Then Gallo pipes up: "Oh, is this my solo?"

Other tracks include "Rough Mix," "I'm On the Guestlist" and "The East Nashville Kroger Conversation." Gallo's tour plans include a stop at Coachella — assuming he was only kidding when he told fans he was quitting music "to focus on my skateboarding career." — Dave Paulson

Kiya Lacey(Photo11: Benji of HiiiGenius)

Kiya Lacey

Her melancholy 2016 single “No Mercy” is far and away her most popular song on Spotify (with more than half a million streams), but here’s hoping listeners keep their ears on Nashville’s Kiya Lacey. Each new release from the 22-year-old alternative R&B artist seems to double in scope, creativity and confidence. She’s hit a new peak with the haunting “Runaway” — its dizzying electronic production underscoring a song of desperate escape. — Dave Paulson

Morgan Evans' debut U.S. single, "Kiss Somebody," was released in 2017.(Photo11: Robby Klein)

Morgan Evans

Evans made a name for himself on the country music scene in his native Australia, even winning multiple CMC (Country Music Channel) Awards before moving to Nashville. Evans met new wife and fellow country singer Kelsea Ballerini while co-hosting the CMC Awards in 2016. His debut U.S. country single, “Kiss Somebody,” is out now. With its catchy hook and infectious melody, “Kiss Somebody” has all the earmarks of a contemporary country hit. — Cindy Watts

Ashley McBryde

McBryde dazzled us at last year’s CMA Music Festival with stellar material like “Girl Goin' Nowhere” and “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega.” (Bowing to legendary country singer Connie Smith during Marty Stuart’s annual Late Night Jam didn’t hurt either.)

Fans of Miranda Lambert, Sunny Sweeney and Angaleena Presley will fall in love with McBryde’s forthright songwriting and onstage swagger. In just a few weeks, McBryde will hit the road with Luke Combs; they’ll play the Ryman Auditorium on Feb. 2-3. — Juli Thanki

Caitlyn Smith will release her first album "Starfire" Jan. 19.(Photo11: submitted)

Caitlyn Smith

Music fans may not have heard of the pop singer yet, but artists ranging from Meghan Trainor and James Bay to Dolly Parton are well familiar with Smith’s creative chops. She wrote Trainor’s multiplatinum “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” and Bay and Parton also recorded songs she’s written.

Smith, who is signed to Monument Records, will release her album “Starfire” on Jan. 19 and is set to appear on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on Jan. 16. — Cindy Watts

Tim Gent(Photo11: Submitted)

Tim Gent

Clarksville-based rapper Tim Gent has been showcasing his skills at Nashville clubs like Exit/In and The 5 Spot while putting sizable numbers on the boards of Soundcloud and Spotify.

In the last year, he’s been equally adept at delivering fiery verses (the trap-leaning “Mosiac”) and laid-back ones (the soulful, topical “History Repeats”) while maintaining a cool confidence throughout. — Dave Paulson

Jordan Davis' new song "Singles You Up" is approaching the top 20 on country radio.(Photo11: photo courtesy of Universal Music Group Nashville)

Jordan Davis

In the vein of Sam Hunt, Davis pairs syncopated melodies and ultra-progressive production with smooth vocals and contemporary vernacular. Music fans will love his music or hate it, but his songs and sound will make them feel something.

His current single, “Singles You Up,” is nearing the Top 20 on Billboard’s country airplay chart. — Cindy Watts